Ask about Easton I know (theater, live, parking)

[EmmausRocks]

Easton is crime riden with more gangs than in the entire lehigh valley. Want the truth about lehigh valley real estate?

[njbuyer]

Well, hopefully you will be happy, but we moved from Morris County, NJ too, and with children, so we did a lot of research. Even people in Phillipsburg, NJ that we talked with wouldn't move "over the border" into Easton. We took the advice on this site, along with the realtor's, our own experience, and had asked around a lot. Hopefully it's not too far gone. There are good sides to it, but they're expensive compared to other reasonable "nice" areas in the Lehigh Valley, and crime wouldn't be "in your backyard." I have heard and experienced too much with Easton to take that chance, esp. with a family. OMG, even Bangor (the country town that it is), had a drive by on 6th Avenue around the 4th of July! I was SHOCKED to hear that! I Googled it on the internet too! I guess each town has it's vices, and good and bad "sides," but Easton is definitely high on the list. Plus, I have seen many gangs in the Lehigh Valley, esp. moving from Jersey, which I have to say I was surprised about. I've seen most in Allentown and Easton.

[toobusytoday]

Good luck to you househuntinginPA, I hope your offer is accepted! I think it's great that you want to invest in Easton and like your optimism.

[trisch]

is there a train station in easton,pa

[toobusytoday]

There is no passenger Rail service anywhere in the Lehigh Valley, including Easton.

[BATIKA]

hi. how is the area at w wilkes barre st between the st jonn st and folk st;thanks

[BATIKA]

anyone;

[MatildaLoo]

If you look in the sticky at the top of the forum page, toobusytoday has posted two links that can show you crime in the area.

SpotCrime.com is also a good map that will show you the neighborhood and recent criminal activity.

[jam5914]

I am looking to relocate to easton any advice on the areas to choose from.

[PacoMartin]

Originally Posted by jam5914

I am looking to relocate to easton any advice on the areas to choose from.

If you have the money, the college hill area is the best part of the city. If you can't afford that neighborhood, then West of 15th street is technically Wilson Township, but the mailing address is Easton. The crime rate is lower.

In College Hill is a tiny 3 BDR, 1.5 BATH, 80 year old Cape Cod. It has dropped from $170K to $140K in the last year. But there are homes for as much as $300K.

The same $140K will buy you a bigger home in Wilson Township.

You gave us no ideas of your income, lifestyle, family, buying or renting, etc.

I see a half of a twin, built 1923 that has been reduced from $130K to $110K. My brother has one of these type of homes in Bethlehem. It's been a surprisingly good investment. In the 8 years that he has owned it, the appreciation has been high. They are solidly built, so maintenance has been reasonable. Operating costs and real estate taxes are very low (gas heat). They have surprisingly large amount of storage that you won't find in a small ranch from the 1950's - 1980's (basement, attic and garage). The yards are very small, so a good push mower is usually sufficient (you don't need gasoline powered equipment).

The home he bought was $90K eight years ago, and identical homes in the same block sold for $160K three years ago, and $151K two years ago.

Of course, you must live with some basic issues from a home built in that era. There were no closets and one bathroom was the norm. Usually a second bathroom more than a half bath in the basement is difficult to install. The neighborhoods are usually noisy, and you may hear your neighbor in the home next door. Parking may be limited and garages of that era are typically 10' by 20' so there is not much room for a modern car (unless you have no storage there).